For those who don’t have time to feed their bearded dragons live, you can substitute some of their live food with bearded dragon food. These fortified foods contain added vitamins and minerals to help them thrive. If live feeding isn’t an option, you can always try species-appropriate insects. Crickets, earthworms, and slugs are all good choices.
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Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are an excellent source of protein for bearded dragons. In addition, these insects also provide essential vitamins and minerals. A good bearded dragon diet should contain about 20 percent insect-based foods. However, this portion will differ according to the age of your beardie.
Although grasshoppers are considered a pest by farmers, they are highly nutritious for reptiles. While it can be difficult to find these insects at pet stores, there are a few varieties available at most stores. However, you should check with the store staff to make sure you can find them.
If you can’t find live grasshoppers in your area, you can always buy commercially-produced ones from a store. Grasshoppers are rich in protein and fat, and they are an excellent source of protein for bearded dragons. However, be sure to consult your veterinarian before introducing your beardie to any commercially-produced bugs.
Slugs
Although slugs aren’t the only food bearded dragons eat, they are a great addition to the diet. Slugs are light and easy to digest, making them a great food for this reptile. They are also a great source of moisture and can provide important nutrients for your dragon. Slugs also have a low toxicity level, which is perfect for the reptile’s delicate digestive system.
A bearded dragon’s diet can include crickets, slugs, and mealworms. These bugs are easy to digest and contain calcium and phosphorus. However, beware of the fact that they are generally unrefrigerated and can carry parasites. Slugs also contain protein, which may cause stress on your reptile’s kidneys.
Earthworms
Insects and plant-based diets are the best bet for bearded dragons. Earthworms are safe and easily available. Before feeding earthworms to your beardie, make sure you gut-load them, wash them, and dust them with calcium supplement. Large earthworms should be sliced into smaller pieces for easier digestion. Be sure to only feed earthworms to your beardie occasionally, as too much earthworms could harm its digestive system.
Earthworms can be an excellent source of protein for bearded dragons. But be sure to buy earthworms from a reputable retailer. Worms purchased from outside can carry toxic chemicals or parasites. These toxins can cause digestive problems for your beardie.
Crickets
For a bearded dragon’s diet, a good meal plan should include crickets, which can be purchased from pet stores or online. These insects are a cheaper and easier way to provide your beardie with a varied diet. They are also very mobile and noisy, so they’re sure to attract your beardie’s interest. Crickets are also easy to store and can be grown in captivity.
Crickets are rich in calcium, iron, and protein. These three nutrients are essential for bearded dragons during the growth stage, and crickets are easier to digest than mealworms or king worms. However, if your beardie is a baby, it’s best not to feed it crickets until it is an adult.
Fruits
Fruits can be a great part of a bearded dragon’s diet. Especially if you choose ones that contain lots of fiber and a low amount of sugar. Other fruit choices should be avoided, such as grapes and raisins, which are packed with acid and oxalate.
Avocados contain lots of vitamin C and fiber, but are high in sugar. Nevertheless, they’re still good choices for your beardie because their skin is safe to eat and the seeds pass through the digestive tract without harm. Also, green tomatoes are great, but be aware that they’re high in oxalates. Besides that, orange juice is a great choice for lizards because it’s mostly water and sugar. In addition, orange juice is a rich source of vitamin C and magnesium.
Before giving fruit to your beardie, make sure to wash it thoroughly. This helps to remove any pesticides that may have been used during the growing process. Also, make sure to buy organic fruit if possible. Fruits with organic labels are not sprayed with pesticides, which is beneficial to your beardie’s health. Also, make sure to remove seeds. While some fruits may not contain seeds, they may contain a large quantity of them that can cause choking or impaction.
